Marrakech

Marrakesh, also known by the French Spelling Marrakesh, is a major city of the Kingdom of Morocco. It is the fourth largest city in the country, after Casablanca, Fez, and Tangier. It is the capital city of the mid-southwestern region of Marrakesh-Safi. Atlas Mountains, Marrakesh is situated 580 km (360 mi) southwest of Tangier, 327 km (203 mi) southwest of the capital of Rabat, 239 km (149 mi) south of Casablanca, and 246 km (153 mi) northeast of Agadir.

Marrakesh is possibly the most important of Morocco’s four former imperial cities. The region has been inhabited by Berber farmers since Neolithic times but was founded in 1062 by Abu Bakr ibn Umar, chieftain and cousin of Almoravid king Yusuf ibn Tashfin. In the 12th century, the Almoravids built many madrasas (Koranic schools) and mosques in Marrakesh that bear Andalusian influences. Ali ibn Yusuf in 1122-1123 and various buildings built in red sandstone during this period have given the city the nickname of the “Red City” or “Ocher City”. Marrakesh grew rapidly and established itself as a cultural, religious, and trading center for the Maghreb and sub-Saharan Africa; Jemaa el-Fna is the busiest square in Africa.

After a period of decline, the city was surpassed by Fes, but in the early 16th century, Marrakesh again became the capital of the kingdom. The city has its pre-eminence under wealthy Saadian sultans Abu Abdullah al-Qaim and Ahmad al-Mansur, who embellished the city with sumptuous palaces such as the El Badi Palace (1578) and restored many ruined monuments. Beginning in the 17th century, the city became popular among Sufi pilgrims for Morocco’s seven patron saints, who are entombed here. In 1912 the French Protectorate in Morocco was established and T’hami El Glaoui became Pasha of Marrakesh and held this position throughout the duration of the protectorate until the end of 1956. In 2009, Marrakesh mayor Fatima Zahra Mansouri became the second woman to be elected mayor of Morocco.

Like many Moroccan cities, Marrakesh included an old fortified city with vendors and their stalls (the medina), bordered by modern neighborhoods, the most prominent of which is Gueliz. Today it is one of the busiest cities in Africa and serves as a major economic center and tourist destination. Tourism is strongly advocated by the reigning Moroccan monarch, Mohammed VI, with the goal of doubling the number of tourists visiting Morocco to 20 million by 2020. Despite the economic recession, real estate and hotel development in Marrakesh have grown dramatically in the 21st century. Marrakesh is particularly popular with the French, and numerous French celebrities own property in the city. Marrakesh has the largest traditional market (souk) in Morocco, with some 18 souks selling wares ranging from traditional Berber carpets to modern consumer electronics. Crafts employs a significant percentage of the population, who primarily sells their products to tourists. Marrakesh is one of North Africa’s largest centers of wildlife trade, despite the illegality of much of this trade. Much of this trade can be found in the medina and adjacent squares. Barbary macaques and snakes are particularly popular for sale.

Marrakesh is served by Menara International Airport and the Marrakesh railway station, which connects the city to Casablanca and northern Morocco. Marrakesh has several universities and schools, including Cadi Ayyad University. A number of Moroccan football clubs are located here, including Najm of Marrakech, KAC Marrakech, Mouloudia of Marrakech and Chez Ali Club of Marrakech. The Marrakesh Street Circuit hosts the World Touring Car Championship, Auto GP, and FIA Formula Two Championship races.